We believe in honesty, inclusivity, and science at Mentone Family Dentist. Let’s talk openly about a topic rarely discussed in the dental chair: how sexual practices—especially oral sex—can impact your oral health, and what role everyday habits like brushing or mouthwash play in protection or risk.
Your mouth is powerful, but also delicate and we're here to empower you with facts to improve your daily wellbeing.
What’s the Link Between Sex and Oral Health?
Whether it's oral sex or intimate kissing, your mouth comes into contact with a partner’s microbiome. If you're part of the gay, bi, trans, or queer community, you may already know some of the health risks, but oral health is often left out of the conversation.
Here’s what science tells us:
1. HPV, Oral Sex & Cancer Risk
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common STI globally. It spreads easily through oral sex and kissing.
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High-risk HPV strains (like 16 and 18) can lead to oropharyngeal cancers—particularly in men.
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Gay and bisexual men are more likely to carry oral HPV and may face higher long-term risks.
How can I reduce my risk?
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HPV vaccination – available for all genders and still useful even if you're sexually active.
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Barrier protection – use dental dams or condoms when partaking in sexual activity.
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Regular dental check-ups – we do soft tissue cancer screening at every appointment.
Reference: Fairley et al., PLOS ONE
2. Bacterial Infections & the Oral Microbiome
Sex can introduce new bacteria that disturb your oral microbiome— aka the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria. If your gums are healthy, your mouth can usually manage. But if you have gum disease (periodontitis), your tissue is already inflamed and bacteria can enter your bloodstream more easily.
Reference: Journal of Clinical Periodontology and the American Academy of Periodontology guidelines
3. Is It Safe to Brush or Use Mouthwash Before Oral Sex?
You might think brushing before sex makes you cleaner—but it can actually increase your risk.
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Brushing or flossing can create micro-cuts in the gums, especially if you already have inflammation.
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These tiny wounds allow viruses or bacteria to enter more easily.
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A raw, irritated, or dry mouth is more vulnerable.
Can I use mouthwash before oral sex? It depends.
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Alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out your mouth and disrupt your oral microbiome, reducing your defences.
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Some studies show these mouthwashes reduce good bacteria and increase strains like Fusobacterium nucleatum, which is linked to gum disease and colorectal cancer.
References:
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Laumen et al., Journal of Medical Microbiology
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Biology Insights
What Should You Do Instead?
We've created a simple checklist you can put into practice:
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Avoid brushing or flossing 30–60 minutes before oral sex.
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Rinse gently with alcohol-free mouthwash or plain water if you want to freshen up.
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Switch to alcohol-free mouthwash with essential oils or chlorhexidine. Ask your dentist for recommendations.
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Maintain healthy gums: brush twice daily (outside of sexual activity windows), floss once a day, and visit your dentist every 6 months.
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Speak openly with your dentist. We’re trained, non-judgmental, and here to support your whole health.
Why This Matters More in the LGBTQI+ Community
Many queer people don’t receive the oral health support they deserve. There’s often stigma, shame, or a lack of education, even in healthcare settings. At Mentone Family Dentist, we welcome your whole self.
Every patient deserves:
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Evidence-based advice that respects your lifestyle
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A safe space to ask uncomfortable questions
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Preventative strategies to protect your oral health—and your relationships
There’s nothing shameful about wanting good sex and good health. We're here to normalise talking about both and help you achieve optimal oral health. Want to learn more? Book a free consultation with our dental team.
Reference List
Fairley, C. K., et al. Oral HPV in Men Having Sex with Men. PLOS ONE
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0049324
Kort, R., et al. Shaping the oral microbiota through intimate kissing. Microbiome
https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2049-2618-2-41
Laumen, J.G.E., et al. Alcohol-based mouthwash disrupts oral microbiome. Journal of Medical Microbiology
https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.001830
Mouthwash and the oral microbiome: good, bad or indifferent? ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653923004550
American Academy of Periodontology
https://www.perio.org/consumer/periodontal-disease-and-overall-health
Biology Insights – Is Alcohol Mouthwash Bad?
https://biologyinsights.com/is-alcohol-mouthwash-bad-breaking-down-the-oral-health-impact/
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/oral-health-and-lgbtq-community-snapshot-disparities-and-discrimination
Medical News Today – STIs from oral sex
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320807
HPV Vaccine Info (Australia)
https://www.hpvvaccine.org.au/about-hpv/hpv-in-men